Implementing Situational Leadership: Building Commitments

Four Basic Decision – Making Styles Authoritative Consultative Facilitative Delegative As a general rule, you select the appropriate decision – making style by using situational leadership and determining who owns the decision

Authoritative Decision – Making Applies in situations where the manager has the experience and information to reach a conclusion without assistance As the manager you are the only source of information or expertise Decisions are phrased with “ I’ve decided that…” and “ Here’s what we are going to do.”

Consultative Decision – Making Applies when the manager recognizes that the followers possess some experience or knowledge of the subject and are willing, but not yet able to help When you bring others into the decision - making process, make sure the ground rules are clear Managers ask for the assistance of followers with phrases like “ What do you know about…” and “ I’d like some information on…”

Facilitative Decision – Making A cooperative effort in which the manager and the followers work together to reach a shared decision Managers ask for help with phrases like “ Let’s pool our thoughts and decide on…” or “ We’ve got a problem and I’d like your opinion.”

Delegative Decision – Making Used with followers high in readiness who have experience and information needed to make the proper decision or recommendation Managers seek help with phrases like “ You know this subject, work on it and let me know what you come up with”

Leader Decision – Making Styles Style 1, Directing ( high task – low relationship) HT/LR Leader decision – making latitude - L1, little or none Follower decision – making readiness - R1, low

Leader Decision – Making Styles Cont’d Style 2, Guiding ( high task and high relationship) HT/HR Leader decision – making latitude - L2, low to moderate Follower decision – making readiness - R2, moderate

Leader Decision – Making Styles Cont’d Style 3, Supporting ( low task and high relationship) LT/HR Leader decision – making latitude - L3, moderate to high Follower decision – making readiness - R3, moderate

Leader Decision – Making Styles Cont’d Style 4, Delegating ( low task and low relationship) LT/LR Leader decision – making latitude - L4, high Follower decision – making readiness - R4, high

The Five Key Commitments Model of Excellent Managers Commitment to the customer Commitment to the organization Commitment to self Commitment to people Commitment to task

Commitment to the Customer (internal and external) Serves the customer Builds customer importance

Commitment to the Organization (and its management) Builds the organization Supports higher management Operates by the basic values

Commitment to Self (as a manager) Demonstrates autonomy Builds self as a manager Accepts constructive criticism

Commitment to People (individuals and the work team) Shows positive concern and recognition Gives developmental feedback Encourages innovative ideas

Commitment to the Task (Mission) Keeps the right focus Keeps it simple Is action – oriented Builds task importance